A life devoted to family, teaching, faith, and music.

Marilyn Johnson Hannon of Story, Wyoming passed away peacefully today at the age of 90 in Virginia Beach, Virginia at the home of her daughter, Peggy Hannon Thornton. She was surrounded with love by her daughter, son-in-law, Owen, and grandsons, Rick and Tim Thornton.

Marilyn was born on August 2, 1924 in Riverton, Wyoming to Edward J. and Almira C. Johnson. She was raised in Sheridan and graduated from Sheridan High School in 1942. An accomplished vocalist and pianist, she was awarded a music scholarship to Brenau College in Gainesville, Georgia.

Upon graduation from college in 1946, Marilyn moved to the New York City area to further her music studies. She studied voice with celebrated vocal coach Frank La Forge, the piano with concert artist Ernesto Berumen, and the organ with Grace Church's Frederick P. Fernsler. Both La Forge and Berumen were former students of famed piano pedagogue, Theodor Leschetizky. Marilyn was a member of the Manhattan Musical Society in New York City.

Along with her sister, Eileen, Marilyn taught school in Rockaway, NJ where she met J. Thomas Hannon. The two were married in 1948 at St. Peter's Church in Sheridan, Wyoming, with the bride's sister as the maid of honor. After a honeymoon at Yellowstone, the couple moved to New Jersey, eventually residing in Plainfield where they raised their family of three sons (Biff, Jim, and Tim) and two daughters (Peggy and Sally).

Mrs. Hannon taught history and piano at Mt. Saint Mary's Academy in Watchung, NJ, and continued her advanced studies in music at Westminster Choir College, and in history at Union College. For more than thirty years, she taught piano privately to a total of several hundred students, including each of her children who became accomplished musicians. Marilyn was a dedicated church organist and choir director, serving as minister of music at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Plainfield, and subsequently at the Scotch Plains Baptist Church.

Marilyn always longed to return to Wyoming, and in 1985, she and her husband, Tom, retired to her ancestral home in Story. During her retirement, she served as organist and choir director at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Buffalo for several years, and later, as a substitute organist at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Sheridan until 2014. After fifty-three years of marriage, Tom Hannon, the "love of her life," passed away in 2001. Marilyn continued to live in Story after his passing, oftentimes spending time during the winter months with her children and grandchildren.

An avid swimmer, Marilyn holds two Wyoming state swimming records for the 80 to 85-year old age group. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), the Eastern Star, Zeta Tau Alpha, the Plainfield Musical Club, the Story Woman's Club, the Johnson County YMCA, and St. Peter's Episcopal Church.

Marilyn Johnson Hannon is survived by her five children and their spouses, ten grandchildren (who affectionately called her, Nana), one great-grandchild, and locally by her nephew Bill Woody of Story and his family.

She was preceded in death by her siblings, Eileen Johnson Woody, and Jenner Johnson.

A memorial service for Marilyn is planned sometime in July or August at St. Peter's in Sheridan. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Marilyn's name to the organ fund at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 1 S. Tschirigi St., Sheridan, WY 82801.

"She will undoubtedly be called upon to direct a choir of angels in heaven," said one family member.

The Sheridan Press - Apr. 2, 2015.